Megan – Graduate Teaching Assistant | Experienced Nursery Practitioner | Open University
Megan is a compassionate and experienced Early Years professional with a strong practical background supporting young children’s learning, development and wellbeing. Alongside achieving a 2.1 BSc in Psychology and Counselling from the Open University, she has several years of nursery experience and is currently working towards a Level 3 Early Years Childcare qualification. Confident working within the EYFS framework, Megan brings hands-on experience of SEND support, Makaton, safeguarding, observations and assessment, and individualised learning.
Her combination of academic understanding and substantial childcare experience would enable her to make an immediate contribution as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, particularly within Early Years and primary settings.
Education & Qualifications
- BSc Psychology and Counselling, Upper Second Class Honours : The Open University
- A Levels: Psychology (A*), English Literature (A), Graphics Art and Design (A) : Langley Park School for Girls
- GCSEs: 10 A–B grades, including English (A) and Mathematics (A): Langley Park School for Girls
Experience Summary
Megan brings significant experience working directly with young children, including responsibility for key children, learning observations, planning next steps and supporting pupils with additional needs. Her previous work within mental health and care settings further strengthens the patient, empathetic and person-centred approach she brings to education.
- Over four years of Early Years experience across nursery and preschool settings, supporting children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development
- Strong working knowledge of the EYFS framework, with experience planning purposeful activities and continuous provision that encourage curiosity, communication and independence
- Experienced as a Key Person, observing and recording children’s progress, identifying appropriate next steps and communicating development effectively with parents and families
- Supports children with SEND and differing developmental needs through personalised strategies, SEN plans, adapted activities and Makaton communication
- Confident with safeguarding, personal care and promoting children’s emotional wellbeing while maintaining a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment
- Experienced using ParentZone and iConnect to maintain learning records and share children’s development with families
- Brings additional insight into emotional and mental health needs from previous work with Mind, where she planned and facilitated supportive creative sessions for adults experiencing mental health difficulties
- Combines practical Early Years expertise with academic knowledge of psychology, counselling, behaviour and human development
Key Strengths
- Early Years & EYFS Experience
- Child Development
- SEND Support
- Makaton Communication
- Key Person Responsibilities
- Learning Observations & Assessment
- Planning Individual Next Steps
- Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Inclusive Practice
- Behaviour & Emotional Support
- Parent & Family Communication
- Activity & Provision Planning
- Personal Care
- Mental Health Awareness
- Paediatric First Aid
- Patience & Empathy
- Relationship Building
- Organisation & Teamwork